IUCN-Holcim: Phase II agreement (2010 - 2014)

Building on the global IUCN-Holcim Phase I agreement (2007-2010), Phase II (2010-2013) aimed to enable the effective implementation of the Biodiversity Management System, demonstrate better biodiversity conservation outcomes to the Holcim Group and extend the approach to the wider building materials sector. The agreement has been extended to 31 March 2014 for finalising key outputs.

Expected results, activities and outputs
The expected results of Phase II and their associated activities and outputs are listed below.

1. Effective implementation of the Biodiversity Management System within Holcim

A 4-member Biodiversity Advisory Panel was established to provide recommendations for Holcim on a Monitoring and Evaluation system to complement the Biodiversity Management System.

The panel's work resulted in the peer reviewed Biodiversity Indicator and Reporting System, aimed at monitoring changes in biodiversity quality at Holcim operations.

IUCN supported implementation of the Biodiversity Management System (BMS) through the development of training materials and with support from the Panel, assisted the verification of self-reported biodiversity data from Holcim operations.

2. Provide guidance in the development of policies and legal instruments to enable the building material sector to deliver better biodiversity conservation outcomes

A guide for policy-makers on "Regulatory tools for improved biodiversity management in the cement and aggregates sector" was developed with legal and biodiversity experts.

The guide will be disseminated by IUCN and Holcim in 2014 and piloting will be carried out in one region.

3. Influence the development of sector-wide standards for biodiversity conservation

Bilateral collaborations between IUCN and cement and aggregates industry associations have been established for the dissemination of the Integrated Biodiversity Management System - a tool developed for companies in the sector to manage biodiversity in decision-making and operations. These collaborations will continue in 2014.

4. Strengthen the approach to water management in the Holcim Group

A Water Risk Framework was developed for Holcim to have an overview of water risk in all of its sites. Three detailed case studies from Holcim operations have also been prepared for the company to understand risk mitigation strategies used in different situations.

Country agreements
Country-based agreements between IUCN regional and country offices and Holcim country operations have been established to complement and strengthen the expected outcomes of the global relationship and to address specific local conservation challenges.

Independent review of the relationship
An independent review was carried out at the end of Phase II to assess the results of the relationship and collect lessons for both organisations. The review concluded that, despite having set very ambitious goals, important progress has been achieved in Phase II. A number of recommendations were also provided to maintain momentum and ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved. Read the report and management response.